I was also expecting a movie like those Hector Echavarria MMA movies from a couple years back. They where OK, but had predictable stories, decent fighting yet nothing especially crazy, they also had a bunch of MMA fighters doing cameo to market the project like this one.
But the comparing stop there. The story in this one is really well written and i could really feel for the hero trough the movie. Some people mention there is not much action til later in the movie, i didn't even really notice it, the story really kept me on the edge and i loved how the hero trained. Although it does take some references from a couple known movies(like Karate Kid) i really like how it mix so well a good old Karate setting that remind older movies with todays MMA.
The villain really play his part well, he is truly believable. He does have very little lines but he did a pretty good job when he had ones. The fighting also has an authentic feel to it and the fight choreographers really mixed well a more realistic set-up with some "movie moves".
Of course if you expect Anderson Silva or Lytto Machida to have big roles in this, don't. They seem like the lead on the covers but they have very little screen time, more like an extended cameo, but again what you expected really? They can't really act, there just there to promote the movie.
Really Tapped Out is really one of 2014 best surprise for me. I wasn't expecting much yet i got a strong martial art movie that i enjoy from beginning to end. The hero, the love interest, the villain, the sensei/trainer, they where all memorable characters that i felt for.
Give this a chance you won't regret it.
